Eclectic Fair

Sure the live music, food and shopping are great at the Sunset Junction Street Fair in Silver Lake.

But the best part is probably the incredible mix of people who frequent the annual event. That in itself can be quite entertaining.

It’s commonplace to find punkers and cross-dressers mingling with moms pushing strollers and boys with shaved heads in lowriding jeans. And there’s always a few with full-body tattoos.

It’s an unusual blend, so if you’re into people-watching, take a stroll through the Sunset Junction Street Fair this weekend.

The event, after all, is a celebration of diversity, and that’s reflected in everything from the entertainment to the food and, of course, the crowd.

Organizer Micheal McKinley helped create the fair 18 years ago to ease escalating tension between local gangs and the growing gay and lesbian community.

He figured a big party was a good way to initiate peaceful coexistence.

“We wanted to tear down the wall that separated gays and lesbians and gang members,” McKinley said. “Something had to be done.”

Over the years, the event has developed into a huge bash that spans more than five blocks on Sunset Boulevard.

This year, proceeds from the two-day festival go to an organization that helps at-risk youths, most of them Latino and many with gang affiliations.

The money will go to programs that sponsor art and music classes, counseling sessions, academic tutoring and even athletic programs.

If contributing to a good cause isn’t a good enough reason to attend the fair, maybe the music will lure you. The eclectic mix features everything from country blues to salsa, swing, hip-hop and rockabilly.

Throughout both days, three stages will offer nonstop performances of practically every variety.

Among the performers scheduled Saturday is Micky Champion, a 73-year-old from South-Central L.A. who plays blues; Drums of Passion, an African drum and dance group; Ritmo Flamenco, a Spanish dance group; and Tijuana No, which plays Tex-Mex rock ‘n’ roll.

The Sunday acts include Arco Iris, an Argentine band that plays Latin jazz, rockabilly and country; singer Rosie Flores; and Afro-Cuban jazz player Bobby Matos.

The highlight of Sunday’s lineup is the popular 1960s Motown group Martha and the Vandellas, scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. on the Edgecliff stage. Well-known for hits such as “Dancing in the Street” and “Heat Wave,” the trio--Martha Reeves, Annette Beard and Rosalind Ashford--has not performed together in many years.

“They’re still incredible,” McKinley said. “It really is a special treat to have them.”

In addition to the three stages, musicians will play New Age and classical violin music at several of the festival’s intersections. There will also be an area for dancing, with loud music provided by a local radio station.

Spread throughout the event’s five blocks will be 150 booths selling arts and crafts, jewelry, clothes and incense. There will also be some psychics and palm readers and a handful of outreach programs.

Kids’ attractions include carnival rides, a petting zoo, face-painting and balloon-sculpting.

“The truth is, there’s something for just about everybody at the Sunset Junction Street Fair,” McKinley said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, really.”

Or how you look.

BE THERE

Sunset Junction Street Fair Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., from 3600 to 4400 Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake. $3 for adults; children under 12 free. (213) 661-7771.

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